Pax with the Deposition

The sign of peace between the celebrant and the faithful, which during the celebration of the Mass precedes Communion and today is given with a handshake, in the early Christian centuries consisted of a kiss. From the thirteenth century to the sixteenth and beyond, it was replaced by a tablet bearing a sacred image, called osculum pacis or table pacis: hence the current name of Pace. Precious examples of these tables remain, true masterpieces of the goldsmith’s art, like this one. The relief with the scene of the deposition of Jesus from the cross is placed in a refined architectural frame, adorned with diamonds, other gems and pearls, the latter among touches of white enamel. The work is due to a sculptor, goldsmith and engraver also known as Giovanbattista Mantovano, trained at the school of Giulio Romano and Benvenuto Cellini, and father of Diana and Adamo Scultori, also engravers. The artist executed this work on commission of the Mantuan nobleman Ippolito Capilupi, who then did not withdraw it, considering it too expensive; it was then purchased by Duke Guglielmo Gonzaga for his palatine basilica.